2024 Green Community Award Winners Announced
 
REAL is very pleased to be the recipient of a 2024 Green Communities Canada (GCC) Award. The awards, presented May 9,  celebrate excellence in the GCC national network.
 
REAL was selected as Green Community Member of the Year.  “A longstanding Green Communities Canada Member organization, the Rideau Environmental Action League has been a respected environmental voice and a consistent presence in Smith Falls, ON. For the past 35 years it has undertaken small- scale, local, hands-on projects that show residents they can take environmental action and make a difference.” Thanks to GCC for this unexpected honour.  REAL appreciates the recognition, given the inspiring work done in member communities across the country.    
 
An Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award  was awarded to Cindy Toth, of the Halton Environmental Network (HEN),  for her tireless advocacy for environmental sustainability,, both in the municipal public service and as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.  The Social Equity Award went to the Halton Environmental Network for its work to support and propel an extensive list of meaningful community social equity initiatives.  Lisa Truong of Reap Green Solutions in Kitchener, was recognized with the Outstanding Staff Person Award  for expanding and championing Reep Green Solutions’ programs in the community.
 
A Youth Engagement Award went to Ecosource in Mississauga,  for continually offering new programming, including engaging youth in addressing real-world sustainability challenges and its Kids for Climate summer camp. 
 
Elanor Waslander of Reep Green Solutions was recgnized as Outstanding Board Person for providing excellent stewardship to the organization through their work and achievements.
 
Green Communities Canada connects and supports 23  community-based climate action groups across Canada to share resources, co-create innovative programming, and elevate the member groups collective impact.  Eight of these organizations were also recognized for reaching a milestone in longevity including REAL for 35 years,  Ecosource for 45 years, and Sustainable Kingston for 25 years. 
 
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! Winners receive a certificate and bragging rights for the year.